|
Protecting the tribe as a most important duty. The custom of “counting coup” in particular encouraged acts of courage. Braves gained their comrades respect and inspired their enemies’ fear by touching a foe with a hand, a coup stick, or quirt without retaliation. Youthful warriors who had counted coup were considered highly desirable catches who would be eligible for marriage at ages younger than was otherwise customary.
The Counting Coup Shield is made of rawhide over a willow hoop. A leather strap allows the shield to be flung over the shoulder or around the neck - as often worn by warriors on horseback - and an arm hold permits it to be carried, as in battle or during a dance. Hawk feathers (imitation) impart the speed, agility, and fighting skill of the hawk. The circle of feathers between the black and yellow represents the transition from one world to the next. The shield also has horsehair to revere the horse, whose performance in battle was vital, fringed leather, and glass beads.
|
